O'Malley Postpones Middle East Trip Amid Conflict

Trouble in the Middle East prompted Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley to reschedule a trip to the region.

The governor announced Tuesday he has decided to reschedule the economic development mission. It had been scheduled for next week in Israel, Jordan and Ramallah.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict erupted last week when a resurgence in rocket fire from Gaza provoked Israel to strike back, killing Hamas's military chief in an air attack.

In a statement, O'Malley said he did not want the trip to be a distraction. He said he looks forward to visiting Israel in the months ahead with Maryland business, research and academic leaders.

O'Malley had been scheduled to make an eight-day trip, which would have been his second as governor of Maryland. He last led a trip in 2008.